I recently had the pleasure of judging at the Hunter Valley Wine Show alongside Rob Mack, who generously brought one of his wines for us to enjoy during dinner. This particular wine, Aphelion Grenache Noir ‘Wait’ 2025 from Blewitt Springs in McLaren Vale, truly captivated me. The wine exhibits complexity and depth, enhanced by a… Read More »
Obituary: Matthew Jukes (1967-2026) Matthew Jukes, a towering figure in the British wine industry, whose voice resonated with authority and warmth, has passed away, leaving behind a remarkable legacy. Known for his compelling critiques and extensive knowledge, he was much more than a wine writer; he was a passionate advocate and a beacon of excellence… Read More »
Back in 2014, a notable wine project emerged in South Africa, marking its uniqueness with a collaboration between Michael Roats and winemaker Ryan Mostert. This project launched with two non-vintage wines, Smiley and Silwervis, later expanding to include a Syrah under the Terracura label. However, the project paused when Mostert departed, only to be revived… Read More »
When seeking something unique for your summer gatherings, consider venturing into Central and Eastern European (CEE) wines. These wines promise interesting stories and delightful flavors, making them perfect conversation starters. Each June, London hosts The Ultimate Central and Eastern Europe wine fair, showcasing wines from Armenia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Hungary, and more. This event marks… Read More »
Five years after lauding Cinsault as the most underrated red grape, Matt Walls revisited this versatile variety through a global blind tasting, uncovering significant advancements within the wine community. The 52 wines assessed were evaluated alongside Natalie Earl from Decanter and Henry Jeffreys, a noted author and podcaster. Notably, a new collective of winemakers named… Read More »
I have been following the wines of Radford Dale with interest over the last three years. Their Vinum series consistently offers high quality for the price, alongside an estate range that continues to evolve and excel. The Radford Dale Elgin Estate, originally developed by Brian and Marion Smith and managed organically, has also gained a… Read More »
The Texas High Plains, an expansive region marked by flat landscapes and agricultural diversity, produces over 80% of the state’s wine grapes. Despite its unglamorous reputation, this area underlies a dynamic and evolving wine industry. As Texas wines gain more recognition, especially during recent years, the growers from the High Plains are confronting market corrections… Read More »
I recently attended a fascinating tasting event titled "Unusual Grape Varieties" hosted by Anna Kielsznia, the General Manager at Shrine To The Vine in Broadway Market. As a fan of lesser-known grape varieties, I was excited to explore eight unique wines highlighted during the evening. Champagne Olivier Horiot Petit Meslier 2018 (France)This wine is made… Read More »
New Zealand has made a name for itself with Sauvignon Blanc, showcasing a delightful range of flavors across its regions. Recently, three judges tasted 163 wines and found a broad overview of what’s available currently. Most submissions came from Marlborough, with nearly two-thirds originating from the 2025 vintage. While Marlborough continued to lead with the… Read More »
I visited Flint Wines to connect with Sam Lambson, a notable South African winemaker gaining recognition for his winery, Minimalist Wines. At just 28, Sam has already produced nine vintages, all centered around a single variety: Syrah. His passion for Syrah began with a 1998 Jamet Côte Rôtie, leading him to believe that Chenin Blanc… Read More »